He took off his wet windbreaker as she wished. Then, he closed in and his hand caressed her baby bump. He could the faint warmth through her skin. Stroking the bump, he chuckled. "This little thing is luckier than I am."

When Xi Xiaye heard his comment, she immediately glanced at him puzzledly with her brows raised. She waited for him to explain, yet he only gave her a meaningful look.

Perhaps because it could feel its father's warmth, the little fella in Xi Xiaye suddenly moved, and the father-to-be could very obviously feel the movements. His handsome eyebrows went up as he looked delightedly at her. A dazzling smile flashed on his face as he gushed, "It moved!"

Xi Xiaye rolled her eyes and set aside his windbreaker. Then, he gently covered the back of his hands. "It has been doing that for a while. It can now hear your voice and feel your movements. You've been absent for two months, so it probably can't recognize you now."

"How could it not? Haven't I been by its side a few months ago? It can't be that forgetful. Let me take a look..."

"You have to speak to it. That way, it can recognize your voice," Xi Xiaye reminded.

Mu Yuchen stared at the baby bump for a long while, and then looked up at her. He did not say anything for a long while.

"Hurry. I've been going to these maternity stores and I see other fathers-to-be all eager, unlike you at all. From tonight onwards, you have to read stories and sing songs to it... Look, I've already bought storybooks!"

When Xi Xiaye finished, Mu Yuchen was stunned!

Storytelling was fine. No problem!

But singing...

He glanced at the so-called storybook she handed him. They were "1001 Arabian Nights", "Aladdin" and so on.

His child would not want to listen to such silly stories!

He took them and then tossed them aside. Then, he leaned down and gently tapped Xiaye's belly, speaking seriously, "Baby, I'm your father. I haven't seen you for more than two months now, and I miss you. It's my fault for neglecting you and letting you suffer from your mother with low EQ using such stories to torment your ears. From now on, with me around, you don't have to listen to your mother. Just listen to Father... because Father is a good person."

Master Mu had just finished when he suddenly felt a cold aura from behind him. He subconsciously glanced up at Xi Xiaye and realized that she was glaring at him. He silently thought about it for a while, then continued with his head lowered as he caressed the belly again. Helplessly, he continued, "Your mother's pretty good too. When I wasn't home, listen to her."

When the little thing in the belly got all excited, they would react even more when they felt its movement. Right then, it was causing quite a ruckus. Mu Yuchen could seem to see it reaching out with a little fist through that loose sleeping gown. It was probably baring fangs and brandishing claws from the inside.

Xi Xiaye pulled his hand away and shielded her belly. "I suddenly wish for this one to be a baby boy. He'll be close to me, so at least, when you bully me, he'll protect me. If it's a daughter, then she'll definitely obey you more."

"What foolish thoughts do you have? When have I ever bullied you? Missus, when the child is born, we have to be more democratic. It's pretty good being their friend too. You shouldn't be too clingy to the child. I'm worried that you'll spoil it, especially if it's a boy. Got it?"

Master Mu was clearly hinting, 'Missus, your focus should still be on me. The baby's just secondary.'

Of course, he would not say that. He would never.

"I don't want to. How do you know I'd spoil them? I want to gain experience and lessons, raising our child to be a gentle and cultivated, wise person. In fact, he must be close to us as parents. Apart from being blood-related, we should be a mentor and a friend that he or she can talk to and have heart-to-heart chats with."

As Xi Xiaye spoke, her tone turned gentle. She tugged at Mu Yuchen's hand. "So, I hope you will do the same too."

He smiled and slid up to pat her head before pulling her into his embrace as he softly said, "Your wish is obviously my command, but I must state that you should just leave the child's education to me. Your thoughts should be more focused on me. The relationship between us as parents is the most important to the child's growth."

She blinked her dazzling eyes and looked up from his embrace, as she asked gently, "Well, then, Mr. Mu, do you think we're happy right now?"

He smiled without a word and lowered his head to give her a soft peck on the lips before carrying her steadily and walking towards the stairs. "What do you think?"

She smiled and put her arms around his shoulders. After some thought, she then said evenly, "My happiness began with a certain someone..."

He paused and gazed down, his eyes locked on her bright and loving face. He grinned evilly. "Who's that certain someone you're referring to?"

"Who do you think?" Xi Xiaye raised her brows and smiled faintly at him.

Joy flashed across Mu Yuchen's handsome face. He hugged her tightly and chuckled. "Who else could it be but me?"

"Mr. Mu, this time you've misunderstood. I'm talking about the little thing inside me."

"Really?"

"Mm-hmm!"

"Aah!"

With the sound of a cry, then came the sound of the door closing.

They returned to the room and messed around for a bit before Mu Yuchen went to shower while Xi Xiaye fulfilled her potential of being a good wife and prepared his sleeping robe for him. She put away the clothes that he had taken off and tossed them onto the chair.

When Mu Yuchen got out of the shower, Xi Xiaye was not in the bedroom anymore. His clothes were set aside on the rack by the door. He swiftly put them on and then walked to the study room.

Indeed, inside the study room, Xi Xiaye was tidying the desk. When she saw him come in, she said, "The stuff that I've been working on here is quite complex. I might need a little more time to arrange everything. Help me write my applicate for maternity leave. It'd be good for the Planning Department to be prepared in advance."

"I'm worried that you'd be too busy rushing for the year-end. Just let me know if there's anything else undone. You can just let me know any details that I've missed out. You've been working hard. The quarterly meeting concluded rather well. I should add your name in for an award at the end of this year."

He chuckled, and then reached out to take the book in her hand before putting it back onto the shelf.

"What award? I'm afraid I'd be super pregnant by then. It won't be convenient for me to be there in person. But if it isn't valuable, I won't accept it!"

Early the next morning, Mu Yuchen and Xi Xiaye were just as how they were before he left. They woke up together, and after a simple breakfast, the husband and wife made their way to the office.

When Mu Yuchen personally walked Xi Xiaye to her office, the staff in the Planning Department saw the Chairman accompanying her. They were very excited for a long time. They barely caught a glimpse of their Chairman Mu, so it was rare for someone like him to be at their department in person.

However, all of that was thanks to their Director Xi who allowed them to have the honor of witnessing their Prince Charming in action.

"You're only allowed to work for an hour. Arrange the matters, then come upstairs. I'll tell Li Si to get you." Mu Yuchen helped her to her chair, and then put her handbag onto the table.

"It's fine. You go up too. There are many things piled up on your desk. I'll have to make a trip to VP Zhang Lan. Let's meet at noon."

Xi Xiaye pushed him away. She felt like this man was treating her like a fragile ceramic doll right then.

He lifted a hand to fix her slightly messy hair as he asked, "What do you want to eat for lunch? I'll get them to prepare it for you."

When Xi Xiaye heard his question, she thought about it quietly and turned to look at the misty drizzle outside her window. She touched her belly and suddenly turned to look at him pitifully. "I want to eat hot pot, the one I brought you to the other time. I haven't been there in so long."

"We'll go over after we leave work earlier at noon. Is Ms. Ji not coming to work today?"

"She's been working hard for many days in a row, and you're back anyway, so I told her to rest well for two days. She hasn't been in a great mood these past two days. I heard something happened at home. She seemed anxious."

Mu Yuchen nodded. "Let her rest for two days then. Okay, I'll go up first. Just call me if there's anything."

Xi Xiaye nodded obediently, then Mu Yuchen planted a kiss on her forehead before leaving her office.

...

"Master, we received news from the police station. Gu Lingsha has decided not to look into the matter anymore. She said she fell down the stairs herself, and that it had nothing to do with Miss Su Nan."

Mu Yuchen had just walked into his office and sat down at his desk when Li Si carefully came over to report the latest piece of news.

Mu Yuchen leisurely stroked the cufflink on his sleeve as he nodded calmly. "Contact the people in Hospital T. Get them to see if there's any way we can get Ruan Heng to regain consciousness. If it really can't be done, get them to try contacting other hospitals around or hospitals abroad. As long as we can get Ruan Heng to regain consciousness, I'll do my best to satisfy any condition."

Li Si nodded. He hesitated for a moment, then said, "Master, Master Qi from Qi Kai has also been paying attention to Mr. Ruan's condition. He's been running around the hospital. I heard that he even personally met with the Vice President of Hospital T, hoping that he can find a way to help Mr. Ruan. In fact, I heard that he personally persuaded Gu Lingsha not to go after Miss Su Nan."

Mu Yuchen reached out to take a document from the side. He asked as he browsed through it, "Has he been visiting Gu Lingsha often at the hospital?"

Li Si shook his head. "I heard Ah Mo say that he doesn't go often. He just told his assistant, Yang Sheng, to watch over her. Instead, he did visit Mr. Ruan a few times."

"Help me ask him out. Get him to make a trip to my office." One could not read any expression on Mu Yuchen's face as he just calmly said this. With his gaze lowered, he began to read through the document in his hand.

"Got it, Master! Right, Master, Ah Mo told me to hand you this. He wants me to ask you about how we should handle it."

As Li Si said this, he handed the folder over, Mu Yuchen just looked up at him for a glance. He thought about it momentarily and then replied nonchalantly, "Give it all to Gu Lingsha. Tell her that I hope this will be the only time."

"Yes, Master! I'll go right away!" Li Si responded, then quickly retreated.

When Yang Sheng knocked on Qi Lei's office, Qi Lei was focused on working on a proposal.

"Master Qi, last night, Chairman Mu got Ah Mo to take Miss Gu away from the hospital," said Yang Sheng carefully as he walked to Qi Lei's side.

At that moment, Qi Lei was sketching on a blueprint with a ruler in his hand. When he heard Yang Sheng, he paused and then continued what he was doing. He drew a straight line on the blueprint as he asked, "Old friends catching up?"

Yang Sheng shook his head. "Master Qi, it's probably about Miss Su Nan's matter. This morning, I heard that the whole incident was a misunderstanding. Now, it's said that it was Miss Gu who fell by herself. Also, last night, Miss Gu returned to the hospital in CEO Qi's car, and CEO Qi has even especially arranged for two bodyguards to ensure her safety now."

"Mu Yuchen? He's back?" Qi Lei finally stopped what he was doing and looked up at Yang Sheng in shock.

"Yes, last night, he returned to City Z. Earlier, his assistant, Li Si, even called to make an appointment with you. Chairman Mu's wondering whether you're free to make a trip to Glory World tomorrow. He has some things to talk to you about."

Qi Lei nodded. "Just tell him okay. Wasn't the old man having dinner at the Qi residence to entertain his gang of scoundrels? How did he know Mu Yuchen went looking for Shasha?"

"Master Qi, didn't you forget that CEO Qi arranged two bodyguards for Miss Gu?" Yang Sheng reminded.

Qi Lei's handsome brows suddenly furrowed into a knot while he pondered for a while. Then, he said calmly, "Since when did Shasha become so close to the old man? Didn't my mother make you think of ways to spy on the old man's office phone or get a copy of his handphone chip? Did we find out anything?"

"Master Qi, it isn't easy. If CEO Qi isn't in the office, he doesn't permit anyone to enter, and this is on top of Master Qi's vigilance. Our people can't get close to him at all. Recently, Yue Hai has even been speaking rudely to VP Wang. It looks like they are really disregarding VP Wang more and more. Master Qi, you might as well save Glory World as your bargaining chip. If you can get the Fuhua project, then that would be fantastic, especially if CEO Shen personally appoints you to be in charge."

Concern rose within Qi Lei. Based on the current situation, Wang Qin was at a disadvantage. One could have foretold that from the banquet then. They had hardly made it with Glory World when Qi Qiming brought the Gu family out. Given the relationship between the Gus and the Qis, advancing mutually would be a guarantee.

Both were of equal importance. He really did not know what Qi Qiming was up to!

Qi Lei could not help but feel troubled. He lifted a hand to massage the fatigued space between his brows as his eyes dimmed a little. After a while, he nodded and said in a deep voice, "Got it. You go out first. Right, remember to send a bouquet of violets to Shasha."

"Master Qi, aren't you going to visit Miss Gu today? She asked about you this morning," Yang Sheng asked softly.

Qi Lei lowered his gaze to hide the faint loneliness in his eyes. "No, I'm a little busy these few days. Tell her to take care."

"Yes, Master Qi! Master Qi, today is Master Yi's birthday. Do you want to..."

"No, just help me prepare a gift and send it over. Next time, don't trouble me with these little things. You can go out now!"

Without waiting for Yang Sheng to finish, Qi Lei suddenly flipped out frustratedly and tossed the pencil in his hand aside. He shot Yang Sheng a cold glare, causing the latter to tremble slightly in fright. He quickly bowed and left the office swiftly.

Yet, Yang Sheng was puzzled.

Did Master Qi not used to like these lively occasions? Why did he suddenly notice that Master Qi seemed to be acting differently in these past few months? He rarely stepped foot in all those pleasure-seeking, bustling places anymore. Now, apart from going to work and going home, he rarely went elsewhere. Otherwise, he would be at the city library. He really did not know when Master Qi had begun to be so serious and hardworking.

However, VP Wang was proud to see him like this.

After Yang Sheng left, Qi Lei took a deep breath and controlled the emotions that were about to flood from his chest. He smiled a little self-mockingly and was about to pick up his pencil to continue the unfinished work when unexpectedly, his phone buzzed.

He picked it up. The call had just gone through when a cold voice came from the other end. "Come to my office."

Before Qi Lei could answer, the other end had already hung up.

Qi Lei's gaze was gloomy as he stared at the phone that had already returned a busy signal. He smiled coldly and nonchalantly tossed the phone back before he continued to pick up the pencil and got to work again as if he did not receive that call.

Nonetheless, a short while later, Qi Qiming's secretary personally came to get him. "Second Master Qi, CEO Qi would like to make a trip to his office."

Her cold voice was just like Qi Qiming's and lacked the slightest hint of warmth at all.

Qi Lei then went coldly.

When he pushed the door open to enter, Qi Qiming was sitting at his desk, watching the swimming fishes in the tank with his back facing him.

"What do you need me for, CEO Qi?"

Qi Lei stopped before the desk with a demonic smile pasted on his handsome face, he looked to Qi Qiming, his tone was light, that smile still had a frivolous tone to it.

Qi Qiming frowned as unhappiness flashed in his eyes. He said with a deep voice, "I heard that you've been getting along quite well with Glory World's Director Xi, haven't you?"

The corner of Qi Lei's lips immediately curled up as he laughed softly. "You have to be careful with your words. If someone else heard it, that wouldn't do you any good. After all, she is the wife of Glory World's Chairman. What you mean by getting along quite well is just a transactional interaction. You should say that I have business dealings with the couple, and now they are friends that I can eat and drink with."

As Qi Lei said this, he walked to sit down leisurely on the sofa and then shouted for his secretary outside to bring him a cup of coffee.

Upon hearing that, Qi Qiming's gaze darkened and he said coldly, "Don't you understand what kind of relationship the Mu family has with us Qis? Your brother's mishap is all because of Mu Yuchen. You have to remember that..."

"Enough, old man, you don't have to use these incidents. The mishap happened to Qi Feng and not to me. Every debt has its debtor. If you want to take revenge, then you can go look for Mu Yuchen yourself. What does it have to do with me?"

Before Qi Qiming could finish, Qi Lei had already carelessly cut him off. "These grudges only involve you all. I'm just an outsider, and I don't want to be a weapon that you can use. I can't do it. It's best if you don't waste your time on me."

"What are you saying, you unfilial son? Try saying it again!" Qi Qiming's entire face had clouded over by now. When he was at the receiving end of such disrespectful behavior, he was furious!

Still, Qi Lei ignored his fury and sneered. "You've said these things a thousand times and they're still the same. Even if you're not sick of it, I am. I never hoped for anything from you. The Qi family's prospects are tremendous. If you really don't like me, you can just make up an excuse to kick me out. Why do we have to loathe each other? Don't look at me all indignantly. I know that you hate my mother and me too. You're really such a bastard! Since you hate my mother so much, you shouldn't have slept with her. If you hadn't slept with her, then you wouldn't have had me. Now, we wouldn't have been in such a mess either. I heard you even called my mother cheap. I'm sure after that you were cursing yourself for being even cheaper, right?"

"Shut up, you unfilial son!"

Before Qi Lei could finish, Qi Qiming had already flung a glass at him. His face was twisted in disgust.